State Fair Food Vendors Compete for 'Sporkies' Title

New Food Competition Underway at the Wisconsin State Fair

By Veronica Rueckert

Thursday, August 1, 2013, 1:47pm

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Krispy Kreme burgers with spicy pig candy, Elvis sundaes and brown sugar bacon-wrapped hot dogs on a stick. Such delicacies are some of what's on the menu at this year’s 162nd annual Wisconsin State Fair.

While the State Fair always boasts the midway, the animals and the shows -- there’s also the food.

Kathleen O’Leary, director of marketing and communications for State Fair, said that attendees shouldn't worry about their waistline when they're examining the food booths.

“(There are) no fat grams, no guilt at the fair. It’s all about having a fantastic time and grazing your way through," she said.

This year, State Fair food vendors have a new challenge on their plate as they vie for the "Sporkies" title. The Sporkies are this year’s new food competition designed to generate exciting and novel fair offerings.

The field of contestants began with 42 participants and has been winnowed down to eight finalists, whose entries include a Thanksgiving waffle topped with stuffing and turkey, Cajun mac and cheese and deep-fried peanut butter nuggets with Berry Weiss jelly.

On July 30, a panel of celebrity judges will decide who wins the Sporkies title and crown the winner.

State Fair goers will get a chance to sample the fare. Every Sporkies entry will be marked with a flag at the booth.

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